How Pharaoh Learned Israel Had Fled and Harnessed His Own Chariot

"And it was told to the king of Egypt" (Exodus 14:5). Who told him? Those patrons who went with Israel out of Egypt. When Israel had gone three days in the wilderness, and the fourth day arrived, and they wished to go on the fourth day, [the patrons] said to them: "We no longer have permission to allow you to go." Israel rose up and killed them, and those of them who remained fled back to Egypt and told Pharaoh of everything that had befallen them. Immediately he himself harnessed his chariot, as it is written, "And he harnessed his chariot" (Exodus 14:6). From here [we learn] that hatred upsets the proper order, as also from Balaam, who rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey (Numbers 22:21). And love upsets the proper order, from Abraham, as it is said, "And Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey" (Genesis 22:3).